MADERA COUNTY – Sept. 21, 2020 – The current hot and dry weather pattern will continue with mild winds that will moderate fire behavior and provide firefighters an opportunity to continue implementing their fire abatement plans. The Creek Fire is currently 27% contained and has now burned 278,368 acres with more than 3100 personnel diligently fighting for 100% containment.
Fire containment lines in Madera County now extend from the San Joaquin River to Peckinpah Meadows. Fire crews will continue back-burning operations between Peckinpah Meadows and the Whisky Falls area. The back-burns help remove fuels and fortify the dozer lines that have been put in place to help stop advancement of the fire. The fire perimeter north of Central Camp to Little Shut Eye Peak has had minimal growth.
The protection of the communities along the fire’s western edge continues to be the highest priority. The fire has burned into higher elevations along the north and northeastern boundaries and is slowing as it moves into areas with sparse timber and high rock concentrations. This area of fire is also approaching the Lions Fire burn scar. This 13,000-acre scar lacks adequate fuels to sustain forward progress. These natural features will begin to impede fire progress and give Air Operations a chance to contain this area of fire once the smoke clears enough to fly safely.
The northeastern fire perimeter is still 12 to 13 miles west of Mammoth Lakes. For additional information on the Mammoth Lakes area visit the Sierra National Forest Facebook page.
Damage Assessment Teams have inspected 95 percent of affected structures. Evaluations will continue, debris will be cleared, and roads will be made safe to travel. Utility crews are addressing damage to power infrastructure, and while work is progressing rapidly, there is still much to be done. As evacuated areas are opened for re-entry, residents are urged to use caution when entering burned areas. Fire damaged trees can fall at any time, and hot coals may be present under deep ash.
As a continual reminder please respect the Temporary Flight Restriction. The use of drones is not permitted over the fire area. A drone incursion will result in the grounding of all firefighting aircraft. Remember, “If you fly – We can’t.”
